Chapter 38: Departure
“By the way, Master, did you collect the small items from my room?” Mingyan asked, remembering his empty room.
“Oh, I kept them for you. They’re in my room.” Liu Yunfeng nodded. “Follow me.”
The items weren’t anything special, mostly trinkets Mingyan had carved or crafted in his spare time. They held no value for others, but he cherished them as keepsakes.
Liu Yunfeng led him to his room and returned the items. “When are you planning to leave?”
“In the next few days. I’ll spend some time with Mengli, then say goodbye to the Sect Leader and depart. How far is the Wind Spirit Moon Shadow Sacred Land from here?”
“Quite close. With your Great Brook Realm cultivation, you should arrive in five or six days,” Liu Yunfeng replied.
Mingyan nodded. “Master, has the Sect Leader’s cultivation… recovered?”
“He’s not only recovered, but he’s even stronger now. He’s broken through to the Tai Yi Realm.” Liu Yunfeng sighed. “The Huang family must have made a deal with the Wind Spirit Moon Shadow Sacred Land. Holy Master Yue Ying gave him an unknown spirit herb. After consuming it, he not only recovered but also broke through… Such a herb must have been costly for the Huang family to obtain.”
“Tai Yi? So, the Sect Leader has entered the Saint Realm?”
“Indeed.” Liu Yunfeng nodded. “With him in the Tai Yi Realm, Rain Terrace Blessed Land will be able to access more resources. This is good for the entire sect.”
“That’s good.” Mingyan was relieved.
He then visited Xia Yanming, who was delighted to see him. Mingyan offered him a jar of wine, but Xia Yanming declined, telling him to visit again after he settled in at the Sacred Land.
Mingyan spent the next few days with Liu Mengli.
On the third day, they lay on the roof, gazing at the starlit night sky.
“Brother, what’s that star?” Liu Mengli pointed to a particularly bright star.
“That should be Kai Yang,” Mingyan smiled.
“Kai Yang?”
“Yes.” He nodded. “The village chief in my old village told me that.”
“Why is it called that?”
“I… I don’t know.” He had read many ancient texts in Sun Moon Village, but they didn’t mention the constellations, focusing instead on stories of their ancestors.
“…Brother, I’ve always wondered, are the stars we see in Rain Terrace Blessed Land the same as the stars you see at the Huang family?” Liu Mengli leaned closer to him.
“Of course, they are. It’s the same sky,” Mingyan smiled.
“So, even if you go somewhere else, we’ll still be under the same sky?”
“Naturally.”
Liu Mengli nodded. “When I miss you, Brother, I’ll look up at the sky and think that we’re under the same stars, and I won’t feel so lonely.”
Mingyan opened his mouth, then fell silent, taking her small hand in his.
“Daddy said Rain Terrace Blessed Land can’t offer you what you seek. Will you come back after you achieve your goals, Brother?” she whispered.
“Mengli, this isn’t my home. I have no family here.” Mingyan sighed. “Although Rain Terrace Blessed Land is where I started my cultivation journey, and I have fond memories of this place, I won’t stay here forever.”
“…But Daddy and I are here… We’re your family.”
“I’ll come back to visit, but I won’t stay. Do you understand?” Mingyan didn’t want to give her false hope. He had decided to pursue Ning Feixuan. Whether he married her or not, he had to repay his life debt. As a cultivator, he would face many dangers and battles. His survival wasn’t guaranteed. He couldn’t make a promise he might not be able to keep.
“…Then I’ll follow you, Brother! I’m just a Spring Gushing Realm cultivator now, but I’ll catch up to you someday and face everything with you!” Liu Mengli pouted.
Mingyan chuckled. “That’s good. Mengli will become a powerful cultivator someday.”
“It’s settled then! When I grow up, I’ll come find you, Brother. Don’t forget about your junior sister!” Mingyan nodded. “I won’t forget. No matter where I go, I won’t forget that I once lived in Rain Terrace Blessed Land, that I had a master named Liu Yunfeng, and a junior sister named Liu Mengli.”
“Yes… I’ll catch up to you, Brother,” Liu Mengli whispered.
Mingyan smiled and pinched her cheek, unaware of the determination in her heart.
Although he considered her mature and intelligent, how much would he matter to her ten years from now? Perhaps she would forget about him. If she still called him “Senior Brother” when he returned, he would be content.
It was late, and Liu Mengli, still young, fell asleep. Mingyan carried her back to her room and silently bid farewell to Liu Yunfeng, who had been watching them. He then packed his belongings and went to Xia Yanming’s residence.
“Sect Leader,” he called from outside, waiting for a response.
Xia Yanming emerged shortly after. “Are you ready?”
“Yes.” Mingyan nodded. “After saying goodbye to you, Sect Leader, I’ll be on my way to the Wind Spirit Moon Shadow Sacred Land.”
Xia Yanming smiled. “I told you before, you don’t belong here. You can only realize your full potential at the Wind Spirit Moon Shadow Sacred Land. Don’t waste your talent. Before you leave, I want to tell you two things. First, from now on, you’re no longer a disciple of Rain Terrace Blessed Land. You’re a rogue cultivator now, and Liu Yunfeng is no longer your master. So, you don’t need to feel any hesitation when you find a new master. Second, if you find the Wind Spirit Moon Shadow Sacred Land isn’t for you, and if you can leave through proper channels, Rain Terrace Blessed Land will always welcome you back. Remember these two things. Although my cultivation is humble, if you ever need my help, don’t hesitate to ask.”
Mingyan’s heart was heavy. He bowed respectfully. “I’ll remember your words.”
Xia Yanming patted his shoulder. “Remember, be cautious and think before you act. I know you’re kindhearted, but some people are beyond saving. You have to learn to distinguish between them. And don’t show mercy to your enemies. Mercy towards your enemies is cruelty towards yourself. Alright, go now. I hope when we meet again, your cultivation will have surpassed mine. You won’t disappoint Liu Yunfeng and me, right?”
Mingyan nodded firmly. “I won’t disappoint you, Master.”
“I’m no longer your Sect Leader, and Liu Yunfeng is no longer your master. Go now.” Xia Yanming waved his hand dismissively. Mingyan bowed one last time and turned to leave.
Xia Yanming watched him go, then sighed softly and returned to his room.
Who wasn’t a genius once? Some geniuses died young before realizing their potential. Some were trapped and their talent wasted, becoming ordinary… Only those who persevered to the end could truly be called geniuses. Who would remember those who faded into obscurity?
Mingyan wouldn’t follow in his footsteps.
Mingyan reached the gate of Rain Terrace Blessed Land, where several disciples were on guard. They bowed and offered their well wishes. Mingyan smiled and returned their greetings.
He stepped out of the gate and left Rain Terrace Blessed Land.
He looked up at the sky. It was still several hours before dawn. The stars shone brightly in the night sky.
Behind him was the new Rain Terrace Blessed Land. Before him was the path to the Wind Spirit Moon Shadow Sacred Land.
After a long moment of silence, Mingyan stepped forward, embarking on his journey.
From now on, he was no longer Mingyan, disciple of Rain Terrace Blessed Land. He wondered how many would remember him when he returned, years from now.
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